Get more dangerous.
“Building security didn’t see anything,” Patterson said, appearing at Carson’s side. “Cameras were down for maintenance from eight to nine PM. Convenient timing.”
“Eugene arranged it.” Carson’s jaw clenched. “He still has access to the security system.”
“We brought him back in for questioning. He’s at the station now with his lawyer. Alibi for tonight is he was home alone. No witnesses.”
“Of course not.” Carson photographed the message, the destruction, every detail. “But this is good for us. This shows escalation. Shows intent. Judge might grant the search warrant now.”
“Captain wants to see you,” Patterson said carefully. “About the Bell woman staying at your place.”
A muscle in his jaw jumped. “I’m sure he does.”
Carson finished processing the scene and headed back to the station, dreading the conversation waiting for him.
But he’d stand by his decision. Nora was safe at his apartment. That was all that mattered.
***
Holloway was waiting in his office, expression grim.
“Close the door.”
Carson obeyed, preparing for the fight.
“Eugene broke into Nora’s apartment tonight,” Carson said before Holloway could start. “Left a threatening message. This proves—”
“I know what it proves. I read the report.” Holloway leaned back in his chair. “What I want toknow is why you thought bringing a victim to live in your apartment was appropriate.”
“Because someone in this department is leaking information to Eugene. Because the hotel was compromised. Because she needed to be somewhere completely secure.”
“And you thought your apartment was the answer?”
“Yes.”
“Carson.” Holloway rubbed his temples. “Do you understand how this looks? A detective brings an attractive young woman to his home, claims he’s protecting her—”
“She’s not just—” Carson stopped, forcing his voice to stay level. “This isn’t about attraction. This is about keeping a victim safe when every other option has been compromised.”
“Is it?” Holloway’s eyes were sharp. “Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like you’re getting personally involved. Again. Like you’re crossing lines you shouldn’t cross.”
“I’m doing my job.”
“Your job is to investigate. Not to play bodyguard. Not to bring victims into your home.” Holloway’s voice softened slightly. “Son, I know you think you’re helping. But you’re putting yourself and this case at risk. If Eugene’s lawyer finds out she’s living with you, he’ll claim impropriety. Bias. The whole case could be thrown out.”
Carson’s hands clenched into fists. “So what do you want me to do? Throw her into some victim shelter where Eugene could find her? Leave her vulnerable while I follow proper procedure?”
“I want you to think about what you’re doing. About where this is heading.” Holloway stood. “Because right now, you’re one step away from losing your objectivity completely. And when that happens, people get hurt.”
The words hit too close to home. Carson thought about the moment earlier tonight—Nora looking up at him, leaning closer, the way he’d almost—
“I’m in control,” Carson said.
“Are you?” Holloway studied him. “Because I’ve seen you obsess over cases before. I’ve seen you push boundaries and bend rules and lose yourself in saving people. But I’ve never seen you risk it all for anyone like you are for Nora Bell.”
Carson said nothing. Couldn’t say anything. Because Holloway was right.
“Be careful,” Holloway said finally. “That’s all I’m asking. Be careful with her. With yourself. With this case. Because if you lose your objectivity, you lose everything.”
